The NFL has fined Miami quarterback Sage Rosenfels $12,500 for his illegal hit against Saints safety Mel Mitchell in the teams' exhibition game Aug. 28.

Mitchell suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee when Rosenfels clipped him from behind and will miss the rest of the season. He is expected to undergo surgery at Memorial Medical Center within a week.

Rosenfels has appealed the fine.

HAWTHORNE WAIVED: The Saints waived reserve defensive back Michael Hawthorne on Tuesday, to make room on the roster for Ki-Jana Carter, who is expected to be signed today

Carter was waived Aug. 31 after spending two weeks with the team during training camp. He led the team in rushing during the preseason.

The Saints drafted Hawthorne in the sixth-round draft pick of the 2000 draft. He played in 28 games and started seven at cornerback during his first three seasons. He was moved to safety during the offseason.

The Saints also signed center Terence Wagner to the practice squad and released guard Shawn Draper.

TICKET UPDATE: As of Tuesday night, approximately 3,150 tickets remained unsold for Sunday's home opener against Houston, the club announced. By NFL rules, the Saints have until noon Thursday to sell out the game in order to lift the local television blackout.